Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Monday, March 30, 2026, 11:11 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 30, 2026, 11:11 p.m.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has issued a stark warning to Corinthians forward Memphis Depay about his fitness as he looks to secure a place in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
In a press conference, the former Barcelona coach addressed the situation of the 32-year-old Corinthians striker, who is recovering from a right thigh injury, and stressed the need for him to be completely rebuilt in order to represent a solution.
Ronald Koeman: Memphis Depay is still not fully recovered”
“He is still not fully recovered from his thigh injury. That explains why he is not playing. Time is running out. We only have eight weeks left, so we will have to wait and see,” said the Dutch coach, according to abola.pt.
Koeman also revealed that he had a discussion with the player about his immediate future. “I don't think Memphis is surprised by that. We had a very healthy conversation about how he sees this coming period. There are still a lot of games to play, with one game every three days. He will have to be at the peak of his form … Otherwise, he will not have the ability to be decisive,” he added.
Memphis Depay traveled to Holland last week to begin treatment on a Grade 2 muscle injury in his right thigh. Due to this physical problem, the striker was exempted from the friendly matches of the Dutch national team.
The injury is expected to keep Depay sidelined for around four weeks, during which he will miss important matches for Corinthians, including the first two legs of the Copa Libertadores and a derby against Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira's side. This season, the forward has a goal and an assist in 12 games played for the Brazilian club.
